Generation of ’27: Spanish Literary Renaissance

Posted on Oct 8, 2024 in Latin

The early 20th century witnessed a surge of artistic and literary movements known as the avant-garde, which sought to revolutionize creative expression. These movements fostered a climate of enthusiasm for poetry, particularly among the young poets who would later form the renowned Generation of ’27. The influential poetry of Juan Ramón Jiménez paved the way for this generation, creating a fertile ground for Spanish literature to flourish.

The Group of ’27

This group of poets, including Pedro Salinas, Rafael Alberti, Federico García Lorca, Jorge Guillén, Dámaso Alonso, Gerardo Diego, Vicente Aleixandre, Luis Cernuda, Manuel Altolaguirre, and Emilio Prados, collectively known as the “Group of 1927,” sought to balance tradition and innovation. They embraced cosmopolitanism and drew inspiration from both European and American literary trends, while also valuing Spain’s rich literary heritage.

The poets of ’27 tempered the radicalism of the avant-garde by blending it with traditional poetic forms. They revived elements of popular poetry in a trend known as neopopularismo, while also incorporating themes and techniques from avant-garde movements like surrealism.

Characteristics of the Generation of ’27

  1. Many of the poets resided at the Residencia de Estudiantes in Madrid, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
  2. They aimed to revitalize Spanish poetry while respecting its traditions.
  3. They embraced popular poetry and its forms.
  4. They were influenced by French surrealism, incorporating dreamlike imagery and exploring the unconscious.
  5. Their works often reflected the grand fairs and everyday affairs of people.
  6. They paid meticulous attention to form and craftsmanship.
  7. Imagery played a crucial role in their poetry.
  8. They employed a diverse range of metrical forms.

Stages of the Generation of ’27

Stage 1 (Until 1929):

This period coincided with the peak of the avant-garde movements. Pure poetry, characterized by its rejection of rhetorical excess, gained prominence, guided by the teachings of Juan Ramón Jiménez.

Stage 2 (From 1929 to the Civil War):

By 1929, poets like Lorca, Alberti, and Cernuda experienced personal crises and found solace in surrealism as a means of expressing their inner conflicts. The exploration of the self and human emotions became central to their work.

Stage 3 (After the Civil War):

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) marked a turning point for the Generation of ’27. The group disbanded, with many poets, who were Republicans, forced into exile. Federico García Lorca was tragically killed. Dámaso Alonso, Gerardo Diego, and Vicente Aleixandre remained in Spain.

Federico García Lorca: A Key Figure

Federico García Lorca, born in Fuente Vaqueros in 1898, was a pivotal figure in the Generation of ’27. He moved to Granada at the age of ten and later studied Philosophy and Letters. His Gypsy Ballads (1928) brought him widespread acclaim. Following a personal crisis, he traveled to New York and Cuba, where he wrote Poet in New York. In 1932, he founded the theatrical group La Barraca. While not deeply involved in politics, he supported the Republic. In the summer of 1936, he was arrested and executed during the Spanish Civil War.

Lorca’s Poetic World

Lorca’s poetry is characterized by themes of love, death, childhood, and social injustice. His style evolved throughout his career, ranging from traditional forms and folk poetry to classical influences. Recurring elements in his work include evocative language, symbolism, visionary imagery, impressionistic tendencies, and a strong sense of musicality.

Lorca’s Poetic Stages

First Stage:

Lorca’s early work, the most widely known, seamlessly blends tradition with avant-garde elements and pure poetry. This stage includes works such as Book of Poems, Poem of the Cante Jondo, and Gypsy Ballads.

Second Stage:

Lorca’s second stage begins with Poet in New York, considered his masterpiece. He critiques the idealized city, its technological advancements, and its dehumanizing effects. This work is marked by metaphors, irrational imagery, surrealism, and a distinct verse structure. Other works from this period include Divan del Tamarit and Lament for the Death of Ignacio Sánchez Mejías, which combines surrealism and tradition to explore themes of death and grief within the tragic world of bullfighting.

Sonnets of Dark Love:

Starting in 1935, Lorca began writing a series of sonnets that were published posthumously in 1984 as Sonnets of Dark Love. These sonnets delve into the complexities of love, anguish, and the pain of loss.